← Back to search

HRS §107-27

State buildings must follow state building codes and be efficient

New state buildings must follow Hawaii's state building codes within a year after those codes are adopted, with some exceptions for county rules. The state must also consider hurricane shelters for new public schools and, starting in 2023, make new buildings energy- and water-efficient when practical.

contractorsdevelopersstate agencies

The statute, as written — Design of state buildings

(a) No later than one year after the adoption of codes or standards pursuant to section 107-24(c), the design of all state building construction shall be in compliance with the Hawaii state building codes, except state building construction shall be allowed to be exempted from: (1) County codes that have not adopted the Hawaii state building codes; (2) Any county code amendments that are inconsistent with the minimum performance objectives of the Hawaii state building codes or the objectives enumerated in this part; or (3) Any county code amendments that are contrary to code amendments adopted by another county. (b) Exemptions shall include county ordinances allowing the exercise of indigenous Hawaiian architecture adopted in accordance with section 46-1.55. (c) The State shall consider hurricane resistant criteria when designing and constructing new public schools for the capability of providing shelter refuge. (d) Beginning July 1, 2023, where feasible and cost-effective, the design of all new state building construction shall: (1) Maximize energy and water efficiency measures; (2) Maximize energy generation potential; and (3) Use building materials that reduce the carbon footprint of the project.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§107-24 Council's role in setting Hawaii building codes

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.